This was an unfocused, unmotivated ride. Rose commented the other day about me being patient with my injury. While I've put on a brave face here, the fact is there have been many tears. Now I'm in a state of mourning. Last year I had a great year. I finished in the top 4 in my age group in all of my races, I even finished 3rd overall woman in one. That won't happen this year. I'll get some distance back but the speed will take much longer.

I'm also mourning the loss of my running partner. I knew this would happen at some point, but not yet. I should be really happy - Dave is just taking off in his training. His running speeds have really increased, but that means I'll never be able to keep up with him again. I need to find a way to be happy for him.

So where do I go from here? I'm not really sure. I paid for races in May and June that I'll do. I need to come to some acceptance so that I can do these and have fun. I'm not sure how I'll get there.

I totally understand, Renee! I've been there with the injury stuff and I've had to readjust my goals and expectations multiple times in the past 18 months! As weird as it may sound to some, I really think there is a mourning period you have to go through when you know you're not going to be able to do what you were planning...but there is good stuff to be learned through those times too! Hang in there!

I've been where you are now and I know it sucks! However, I have also come back strong after an injury and you will too. Last March I pulled a muscle behind my right knee and due to resuming a running schedule too quickly, and disproportionately shifting my weight to my left leg, I suffered a metatarsal fracture in my left foot the following June. Very frustrating. There is always a lesson to be learned from any running related experience and injuries are no exception.

Injuries have taught me to enjoy what I can do at any given time. If I can't run a trail race, then I'll walk. If I can't walk, then I'll volunteer. One of the best experiences I've had was when I volunteered at the Trail Mix 50K; I helped Mary Anderson of Anderson Races. It gave me a new perspective on racing, not as a runner on the course but as a volunteer cheering runners in to the finish line and recording their finish times.

So, hang in there. I know it's difficult but very few runners escape injury that sidelines them for a while. Your a strong athlete, passionate about running, and you WILL return strong to the sport you love. Hugs!! (wow, this post got to be a smidge lengthy). :)

The feelings you are going through are so "normal", but that can't make it any easier! When I made that comment about you being patient, I knew that it might not seem that way to you - but I admire that you have done the right thing along the way, no matter how difficult it must be, And you've done such a good job at conquering the swimming. It seems like this year you need to continue to find a new path - it won't be the same road as last year, but could be as satisfying. Big hugs - I really admire you!

I'm sorry, Renee, for your injury. I would be struggling, too. Having never been at the top of my age group, I can't relate to being out of the top, but I am competitive enough to understand the loss of pace. Maybe you can help a more rookie athlete get started, and do some events with them. Take the pressure off yourself, and help someone else reach their goals. Just a thought. Keep your head up, you'll be back out there again soon!!

I have never run like you, Renee, but I have been injured and afraid that I'd never be able to run again -- not even slowly! I'm sorry you're going through this hard time. My injuries have always deepened my faith in Christ. Each time, I've had to realize how completely dependent I am on Him. I've had to "give up" running (in my mind) in order to reorder my priorities. I'm sure you'll be back to it eventually, but it sounds like it will be different. Maybe different can be good too.

That's a tough one, Renee. I've had a couple of nagging injuries in the last couple of years, wnd each time struggled to regain the form I had prior. However, each time, I've gradually come back and accompished things that were statisfying. You will too!